PLYMOUTH, MA – June 08, 2016 – In as little as one week, horses receiving Vitamin E Pellets by SmartPak, which contain a “natural” form of Vitamin E, had significantly higher amounts of vitamin E in their blood as compared to horses in a control group. Vitamin E is recognized as a powerful antioxidant that is important for maintaining normal muscle and nervous system health and function. When it comes to measuring Vitamin E levels in the blood, the research also demonstrated that sample handling is critical, and when established protocols are followed the results are representative.

Vitamin E Pellets by SmartPak contain the “natural” or d-alpha tocopherol version of the nutrient, which is more biologically active in the body than the synthetic version. The National Research Council (NRC) recommends that normal, healthy adult horses receive 1-2 IU/kg body weight (International Units per kilogram), which is equivalent to 1000 to 2000 IU for an 1100 pound horse. However, veterinarians often suggest that horses with muscle or neurological issues be supplemented with higher levels.

The study was conducted using client-owned horses and ponies of various ages and breeds from a therapeutic riding center in consultation with the Animal Health Diagnostic Center at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.

“Having expert advice on the proper collection, handling, and transport of blood samples was critical to the success of this study,” says Dr. Gray. “Other studies had documented that the wrong type of tube, exposing the blood sample to light, letting it get too warm, or repeated freeze/thaw cycles can all damage vitamin E in blood samples—resulting in falsely low levels–so we wanted to be sure and avoid those known negative effects.”